In the 16th century, both the French and the Spanish were claiming North America as theirs, but England felt that it had a right to the land as well. So a group of English men and women went to the New World to start a colony and establish England’s claim of ownership. They landed on Roanoke Island and began building a settlement there. The leader went back to England for supplies, but when he returned, he found the place deserted. Where had everyone gone?